#24 – 3B Aderlin Rodriguez

Why Ranked Here: The Mets spent $600,000 to bring Rodriguez into the fold in 2008, and the money behind that assessment counts for something. The Mets paid Rodriguez because they believed in the superlative bat speed. As they’ve done in recent years, the Mets had their top international signee start his career stateside at age 17 in the GCL. The defense and power are related question marks, Rodriguez is big at 6’3” and on the line of outgrowing 3B if he gets any bigger. On the other hand, further growth should lead to more strength and more power, which would make him an asset somewhere besides the hot corner.

2009: A broken wrist held Rodriguez out of action until August 5th and limited him to just 17 games in the GCL overall. He showed some feel for contact at the plate, with impressive strike zone control for such a young player. However, he was a butcher defensively, committing 12 errors in just 17 games.

Dr. Pangloss Says: The Mets A-Rod develops middle of the order power to go with his bat control and feel and learns how to play third to become a star.

Debbie Downer Says: And if he doesn’t learn to play third? Or hit for power? And he’s years away.

Fun Fact: Of the 107 players with the surname Rodriguez who played in affiliated ball in 2009, Aderlin is listed first alphabetically in front of Alex.